Call for training follows jet ski death

A MAN who drowned in a tragic jet skiing accident in Mayo in 2007 had little training of jet skis, was a poor swimmer and was not wearing a life jacket, the Marine Casualty Investigation Board (MCIB) has found.

Following the drowning of 21-year-old Patrick O’Haire, the MCIB recommended that, due to the surge in jet ski-related accidents, all users should be made to undergo training and that all craft be licensed and display a license plate.

It also advised jet ski users that, if in difficulty, remaining with the craft offers the best chance of survival.

The MCIB recommendations came as part of its report into the drowning of 21-year-old Patrick O’Haire on May 9, 2007, after he and friend, Shane Mulroe, got into difficulty while jet skiing on Lough Mask.

After approximately 10 minutes on the water, both men’s jet skis suffered engine failure and shut down.

After efforts to start both machines failed, the two men entered the water and began to swim to shore. After about 30 minutes, Mr Mulroe reached the shore and saw Mr O’Haire was 150m from the shoreline.

An exhausted Mr Mulroe then returned to his car to phone a friend for help. He got a life buoy and returned to where he had left the water but could no longer see Mr O’Haire or his jet ski. As light was fading, the Emergency Services were contacted. Mr O’Haire’s body was found at approximately 6am on May 10.

In its report into the drowning, the MCIB found a culmination of factors led to the tragedy.

It concluded Mr O’Haire had little or no familiarisation training of jet skis, was considered a poor swimmer and wore a buoyancy aid rather than a life jacket.

The report also found both jet skis were in “extremely poor mechanical condition” and that the men ventured out in both poor light and weather.

The report recommended the Department of Transport’s Code of Practice on the safe use of personal watercraft be made widely available.

A further recommendation was that all craft be regularly serviced and carry a minimum of life-saving equipment.

The MCIB also reported on an incident in Galway in December 2006, where a curragh with six people on its way to Innis Turk Island took on water and sank.

Two people managed to swim to shore while the four others were picked up by the Clifden Lifeboat.

As a result of the incident, the MCIB emphasised the importance of preparing adequately by carrying prescribed safety equipment and adhering to a realistic passage plan.